BCS Higher Education Qualifications Diploma in IT Database Systems Syllabus Version:1.a
Contents 1. Change History 3 2. Rationale 3 3. Aims 3 4. Objectives 3 5. Prior Knowledge Expected 4 6. Format and Duration of the Examination 4 7. Syllabus Detail 5 8. Recommended Reading List 6 9. Contact Points 6
1. Change History Any changes made to the syllabus shall be clearly documented with a change history log. This shall include the latest version number, date of the amendment and the changes made. The purpose is to identify quickly what changes have been made. Version Date Changes Made Number V1 Released V1.a March 2015 Re-formatted with syllabus numbering no change to content V1.b March 2016 No change to content 2. Rationale This module provides candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the principles and practice of database systems development 3. Aims To introduce the theory of the relational model and relational programming languages To write data manipulation commands in SQL To write data definition commands in SQL To specify the functional and data requirements for a typical database application To produce detailed data models and their associated logical schemas To design the structure and functionality of a forms based user interface for a database application To be able to describe data distribution and data connectivity over a network 4. Objectives Upon successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to demonstrate their competence in, and their ability to: Draw and interpret data models Write simple and effective SQL statements Design appropriate user interfaces Produce working schemas BCS <Qualification Name> <Module Name> Syllabus Page 3 of 6
5. Prior Knowledge Expected Diploma in IT Candidates must have achieved the Certificate in IT or have an appropriate exemption to be entered for the Diploma in IT. Candidates are required to become a member of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT to sit and be awarded the qualifications. Candidates may apply for a four year student membership that will support them throughout their studies. 6. Format and Duration of the Examination The examination is a two hour closed book examination (no materials can be taken into the examination room) based on the syllabus in this document. Examinations are held twice a year and are undertaken in normal examination conditions with one or more duly appointed invigilators. The pass mark is 40%. BCS <Qualification Name> <Module Name> Syllabus Page 4 of 6
7. Syllabus Detail Category Ref Content 1 1.1 Data management and application development techniques (e.g. Forms generators and programming tools). Programming environments applicable to a recognised DBMS 2 2.1 Comparison of a data-centred approach with file-based approach. 2.2 Data integrity and quality control. Transaction processing. 2.3 Logical and physical data independence how it is achieved 3 3.1 Entity relationship diagrams and conceptual modelling. 3.2 Relationship constraints and translation to relational model. 4 4.1 Functional Dependency theory and Normalisation. 4.2 Relational modelling. 4.3 Simple relational algebra programs. Features of relational algebra in SQL. 5 5.1 Standards and basic structure of SQL for data definition, views, updates, insertion and referential integrity constraints. 6 6.1 Concurrency, recovery and database integrity. 6.2 Client-server model as a distributed database architecture. BCS <Qualification Name> <Module Name> Syllabus Page 5 of 6
8. Recommended Reading List Database Systems ISBN 10 ISBN 13 Primary Texts Howe D. R., Data Analysis for Database Design, Butterworth Heinemann (3rd Ed), 2001. Other Texts Groff & Weinberg, SQL: The Complete Reference, McGraw Hill (Osbourne Media), 3rd Ed., 2009. McFadden J.A., & Hoffer F.R., Modern Database Management, Benjamin Cummins (11th Ed), 2012 Korth, Silberschatz, Sudarshan, Database System Concepts, McGraw Hill (6th Ed), 2010. Watson, R.J., Data Management: Database & Organizations, Wiley (5th Ed), 2005 9. Contact Points 0750650869 978-0750650861 0071592555 978-0071592550 0273779281 978-0273779285 0071289593 978-0071289597 0471715360 978-0471715368 Email: Customer Service team via www.bcs.org/contact Phone: UK: 01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417 (lo-call rate) Overseas: +44 (0)1793 417424 Lines are open Monday to Friday, 08.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. UK time. Website: www.bcs.org/heq Post: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT First Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FA, United Kingdom BCS <Qualification Name> <Module Name> Syllabus Page 6 of 6